I purchased a box of postal stuff from a former member of the Missouri Philately Club a few years ago. I didn't understand the stamps at the time, but the box had two WWII ration books in it, which I've collected for years.
Now that I'm hooked in this new wonderful hobby, I've been digging through the box. I found what I believe to be a Scott #156. Is the secret mark (crescent) enough to make a positive ID or are there other things to look for?
The site says my photos are too big. I will post one once my daughter teaches me how.
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain. It's a poor stamp that's still on the envelope. I'm still trying to learn all of the terminology and expected that I was just overexcited I finally learned/found SOMETHING.
I explained to my daughters that figuring out what to look for is just like when we learned field marks for reptiles and birds. It's a process that I am thoroughly enjoying! A magnifying glass is next for our tool kit. Well, that and learning how to use our perforation gauge, lol. Oh! And a Scott's catalog. Let me stop. I'm pretty sure you get the point.
I very much appreciate your offer to help, but it would likely be a waste of your time. I'll learn more, see if I can figure it out, and reach out when I can't, haha. This is the nicest, most helpful forum ever. Very happy to be here.
Nope, can't agree that your questions would be a waste of time. There are many experts on this forum who are quite willing to help. And the rest of us will learn along with you.
Don't remove the stamp from the envelope, and if you can please post a photo of the entire envelope front and back. If you have a scanner that would provide the best images for posting.
Thanks for posting those images...although I am afraid I am can't provide any help in identifying the postmark, possibly others here with more knowledge will chime in. Here is a slightly enlarged version of the stamp and cancel.
My guess on the postmark is ST LOUIS. You can make out the "S" on the back of Ben's head. The "L" is laying on its side off the R edge of the stamp with the long arm of the "L" lying horizontally. And, I make the last 3 letters "UIS" across the bottom of the stamp, upside-down.
-Paul
PS, any guesses as to what "R.A.M." is in the address?
PPS, Answer: it's a chapter of the Masons.
Wow Paul, great sleuthing...I sure couldn't see it but I think you are right. I would not have guessed that "R.A.M. was referring to the Masons, but sure makes sense. Thanks for chiming in. I expect that PhilatalyFF will find it of interest as well.
Here is a copy of Scott #145 without the secret mark.
These next two images show the secret mark on Scott # 156. There are three balls to the left next to the numeral one. Large, medium and small. The mark is located in the closest and largest ball to numeral one. it looks like a small horizontal dash in the largest ball.
The lower scan also shows a double transfer.
This is from Winthrop Boggs "The Foundations of Philately". This can happen on "engraved" stamps.It shows well on the letters C&N in cents on the bottom stamp image.